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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Prisoners (2013) in Movies
Nov 29, 2020
Hugh Jackman (1 more)
Jake Gyllenhaal
How Far Would You Go
Prisoners- is a excellent movie. Its very sad and depressing movie. It ask you the question of "how far would you go if your daughter gets kidnapped/missing"? "What whould you do"? Denis Villeneuve does a excellent job. The whole cast is excellent.
The plot: Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter's life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
Aaron Guzikowski wrote the script based on a short story he wrote, partially inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart", involving "a father whose kid was struck by a hit and run driver and then puts this guy in a well in his backyard". After he wrote the spec, many actors and directors entered and exited the project, including actors Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio and directors Antoine Fuqua and Bryan Singer.
Ultimately Guzikowski would credit producer Mark Wahlberg for getting the project on its feet, stating, "He was totally pivotal in getting the film made. That endorsement helped it getting the film made."
Its a excellent film.
The plot: Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter's life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
Aaron Guzikowski wrote the script based on a short story he wrote, partially inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart", involving "a father whose kid was struck by a hit and run driver and then puts this guy in a well in his backyard". After he wrote the spec, many actors and directors entered and exited the project, including actors Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio and directors Antoine Fuqua and Bryan Singer.
Ultimately Guzikowski would credit producer Mark Wahlberg for getting the project on its feet, stating, "He was totally pivotal in getting the film made. That endorsement helped it getting the film made."
Its a excellent film.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Boy Who Fell To Earth in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is another book I was lent by my teacher, so I previously had no idea it even existed. I've never even heard of the author, Kathy Lette, but I'm glad I know of her now!
Okay, it's nearly midnight and I need to be up early so I'm going to have to keep this one rather short.
Lette writes from the point of view of Lucy, who's son has been involved in a serious car accident. She recaps her time with him, telling us her story of love, loss and difficulty.
This novel is written in an honest voice, with sarcasm and humour on every page. It tells the tale of parenting, divorce, finding and losing love, and even coping with the world's way of dealing with special needs. Like I said, it's brutally honest and does not exclude any of the less favourable thoughts or feelings.
It is quite clear that this is aimed at an older generation of readers, but I must say that I did really enjoy it, far more than I anticipated. It isn't a fantasy or an action novel, and it does have a slightly cheesy happy ending, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised by how easy this is to read.
If I was a bit older I would probably adore this, but as it is I can't say it's quite a favourite of mine. But I'm definitely happy to have read it, so 4 stars.
Okay, it's nearly midnight and I need to be up early so I'm going to have to keep this one rather short.
Lette writes from the point of view of Lucy, who's son has been involved in a serious car accident. She recaps her time with him, telling us her story of love, loss and difficulty.
This novel is written in an honest voice, with sarcasm and humour on every page. It tells the tale of parenting, divorce, finding and losing love, and even coping with the world's way of dealing with special needs. Like I said, it's brutally honest and does not exclude any of the less favourable thoughts or feelings.
It is quite clear that this is aimed at an older generation of readers, but I must say that I did really enjoy it, far more than I anticipated. It isn't a fantasy or an action novel, and it does have a slightly cheesy happy ending, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised by how easy this is to read.
If I was a bit older I would probably adore this, but as it is I can't say it's quite a favourite of mine. But I'm definitely happy to have read it, so 4 stars.
Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated Excalibur (1981) in Movies
Sep 4, 2019
Lush, beautiful visuals (1 more)
Stellar performances from all involved
Long movie, but feels like it rushes from highlight to highlight without fleshing out the story. (1 more)
More mythic fantasy of "knights in shining armor" as my younger self would have conceived it than anything grounded in reality.
Long on visuals, short on narrative cohesion and characterization
Excalibur is a classic, and deservedly so. The visuals and performances from the entire cast are outstanding, and you get to see early appearances from the likes of a then-unknown Patrick Stewart or Liam Neeson. The film is epic in scope, and that's part of the problem--in trying to tell the entire Arthurian legend, the film only has time (even at nearly two and a half hours) to hit the highlights without adding sufficient connective tissue to make sure that we care about the characters. Then there's the fact that the film caters to more of a child's fantasy version of knights in shining armor than anything else. I don't mind the anachronism of plate armor in the "dark ages," but characters living in their plate day on and day out, in peacetime, in the middle of their fortress? That crap is uncomfortable! Ten year old me would have bought that reality, but this film would have been (and in fact specifically WAS) denied to ten year old me based on the nudity and gore. I'm not asking for gritty realism, but I also wasn't expecting a return to the fantasties of my youth. Worth seeing, to be sure, but not timeless or without it's flaws.
Ari Augustine (10 KP) rated Realm of Knights (Knights of the Realm, #1) in Books
May 4, 2020
In case you havent heard about this hidden gem, Realm of the Knights is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Anne Davis. Long story short: Since the day of her birth (and subsequent death of her mother) Reid Ellington has been forced to live as her fathers sole male heir. Shes had to walk like a boy, talk like a boy, and do all kinds of boyish things. Its the only way she can inherit her fathers estate.
But when the beans are spilled and by a prince with a taste for blackmail shes forced to accept his offer of silence in exchange for an act of treason. Shes sucked into a whole world of secrets, far more dangerous and deadly than the one shes fighting to keep. And it may cost her more than she realizes.
To be honest, Realm of the Knights isnt my usual cuppa. The last time I read anything close to a high or epic fantasy was during my Forgotten Realms phase, especially ones with courts or royal families.
But Realm of the Knights caught my eye first (admittedly) by its bold, beautiful cover and second, the major Arthurian-Mulan vibes I was getting. This was all I needed to abandon my High-Fantasy famine and dive right in.
And I dont regret it one bit.
You can hear more about my reflections at <a href="https://www.bookishvalhalla.com">Bookish Valhalla</a>
But when the beans are spilled and by a prince with a taste for blackmail shes forced to accept his offer of silence in exchange for an act of treason. Shes sucked into a whole world of secrets, far more dangerous and deadly than the one shes fighting to keep. And it may cost her more than she realizes.
To be honest, Realm of the Knights isnt my usual cuppa. The last time I read anything close to a high or epic fantasy was during my Forgotten Realms phase, especially ones with courts or royal families.
But Realm of the Knights caught my eye first (admittedly) by its bold, beautiful cover and second, the major Arthurian-Mulan vibes I was getting. This was all I needed to abandon my High-Fantasy famine and dive right in.
And I dont regret it one bit.
You can hear more about my reflections at <a href="https://www.bookishvalhalla.com">Bookish Valhalla</a>
The Best of Us: A Memoir
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From New York Times bestselling author Joyce Maynard, a memoir about discovering strength in the...
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The Last Hours: Chain of Gold
7.0
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First print edition contains special content, including bonus art and a new short story! From #1...
Dark Flame (Flame Born #1)
10.0
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“I know who you are because you belong to me. You were born to be mine.” ~ Alexei Vasiliev, the...
MM Dark Paranormal Romance
Agent Aliens
Games
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AGENT ALIENS!!! Jump and shoot your way to freedom as you search for your fellow Aliens and break...
Merissa (13770 KP) rated M.M. Scrooge (Monsters & Mayhem) in Books
Nov 9, 2022
M.M. SCROOGE is part of the Monsters & Mayhem series, and as you can figure out from the title, is a retelling of A Christmas Carol.
Max is a trainer at a gym and thinks that if he makes enough money, he will be happy. He's not bothered if his making enough money means he poaches clients from his fellow trainers. In fact, he's not bothered by how anyone feels at all. Daniel is a sweetie who is reeling from his father's death of a heart attack at only 50. As a professor, Daniel is worried about being too sedentary and following in his father's footsteps. After a quick but steamy time in the shower together, Max and Daniel separate for about half the book, as it follows them on their own paths.
Luckily for me, the horror rating on this is quite low, although that Bogeyman showing up as he did gave me the chills! The kink is high and I love how everything was something Max could use with Daniel.
The pacing was very fast and, being 100% honest, I don't believe Max would have completely learnt his lessons that fast. Perhaps the threat of the Bogeyman returning was threat enough to keep him honest?!
A short and kinky story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Max is a trainer at a gym and thinks that if he makes enough money, he will be happy. He's not bothered if his making enough money means he poaches clients from his fellow trainers. In fact, he's not bothered by how anyone feels at all. Daniel is a sweetie who is reeling from his father's death of a heart attack at only 50. As a professor, Daniel is worried about being too sedentary and following in his father's footsteps. After a quick but steamy time in the shower together, Max and Daniel separate for about half the book, as it follows them on their own paths.
Luckily for me, the horror rating on this is quite low, although that Bogeyman showing up as he did gave me the chills! The kink is high and I love how everything was something Max could use with Daniel.
The pacing was very fast and, being 100% honest, I don't believe Max would have completely learnt his lessons that fast. Perhaps the threat of the Bogeyman returning was threat enough to keep him honest?!
A short and kinky story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Belfast (2021) in Movies
Jan 14, 2022
In short, Belfast is a very human and truly wonderful piece of cinema.
It's visual style is both stunning and simple, and is brimming with plenty of striking imagery.
It's themes are rich. The setting explores the civil unrest between Protestants and Catholics in 1960s Belfast. This turbulent moment in time is a constant presence for sure, but the main bulk of the narrative deals with a working class family who are struggling with debt, and are looking to potentially relocate to England in light of the city wide violence. The very heart of the story though is found in Buddy, the young son of the family who is dealing with growing up and not wanting to leave. Buddy's actor, Jude Hill, is excellent. He embodies innocent childhood and the adventure that comes with it. He's an 11 year old actor, holding his own against screen veterans such as Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench (both fantastic as always).
Other than Buddy, most of the heavy lifting is undertaken by the mother, played by Caitriona Balfe, who really deserves an Academy Nomination for her role here. Jamie Dornan also stars, who proved to be a pleasant surprise for me, only knowing him from the obvious, and is a welcome addition to an all round stellar cast. Throughout this, the narrative touches upon loss and loneliness, and the moments of life that manage to be bittersweet.
Belfast is a sometimes heartwarming, powerful, occasionally funny, and often melancholy tale told with a lot of love and care. Kenneth Branagh has delivered a slice of cinematic gold.
It's visual style is both stunning and simple, and is brimming with plenty of striking imagery.
It's themes are rich. The setting explores the civil unrest between Protestants and Catholics in 1960s Belfast. This turbulent moment in time is a constant presence for sure, but the main bulk of the narrative deals with a working class family who are struggling with debt, and are looking to potentially relocate to England in light of the city wide violence. The very heart of the story though is found in Buddy, the young son of the family who is dealing with growing up and not wanting to leave. Buddy's actor, Jude Hill, is excellent. He embodies innocent childhood and the adventure that comes with it. He's an 11 year old actor, holding his own against screen veterans such as Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench (both fantastic as always).
Other than Buddy, most of the heavy lifting is undertaken by the mother, played by Caitriona Balfe, who really deserves an Academy Nomination for her role here. Jamie Dornan also stars, who proved to be a pleasant surprise for me, only knowing him from the obvious, and is a welcome addition to an all round stellar cast. Throughout this, the narrative touches upon loss and loneliness, and the moments of life that manage to be bittersweet.
Belfast is a sometimes heartwarming, powerful, occasionally funny, and often melancholy tale told with a lot of love and care. Kenneth Branagh has delivered a slice of cinematic gold.